Sri Lanka’s opposition concerned about Rajapaksa’s security

Colombo, June 24 (IANS) Sri Lanka’s main opposition party on Wednesday raised concerns regarding the security of former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and urged the government to address the issue urgently.

Opposition Mahajana Eksath Peramuna (MEP) leader Dinesh Gunawardena, speaking in parliament, accused the government of failing to provide facilities to the former president, Xinhua reported.

Gunawardena said the former president has not been provided an official residence, his medical attention has been withdrawn and the number of vehicles provided to Rajapaksa’s security officers have also been reduced.

Ruling United National Party (UNP) parliamentarian Lakshman Kiriella, however, denied the allegations and said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe would make a detailed statement on the issue in parliament later.

Kiriella said the former president has been allocated over 200 security personnel, which was confirmed by the former president’s media division.

The opposition has been hinting at the possibility of Rajapaksa contesting for the post of prime minister in the upcoming parliament elections.